Virat Kohli ends suspense over availability for warm-up game vs Bangladesh; ex-India skipper leaves for T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli ends suspense over availability for warm-up game vs Bangladesh; ex-India skipper leaves for T20 World Cup

Will he or won’t he? Virat Kohli finally made a brief public appearance before joining the Indian squad for the ICC World T20 2024 on Thursday. After a run-fest season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper has left for the United States. Kohli was spotted by the paparazzi at the airport as the former India skipper is set to link up with Rohit Sharma’s Team India ahead of their warm-up game against Bangladesh. Kohli will join the Indian squad ahead of the T20 World Cup warm-up game(Reuters-X) The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup might be the final chance for Kohli and Rohit to end India’s title drought in ICC events. The next T20 World Cup is in 2026 – jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Skipper Rohit would be approaching 40, and Kohli will be 38. India will play the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. Thus, both Kohli and Rohit will aim to leave the grandest stage with a winner’s medal around their neck in the US and the Caribbean. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma’s Team India snubbed as Australia great bats for T20 World Cup final vs Pakistan: ‘Quite biased towards…’ Watch: Virat Kohli’s special gesture for young fan at airport Kohli regains top-form in build-up to T20 World Cup Run-machine Kohli retained his place in the Indian T20I squad during the league stage of the IPL 2024. Leading the batting charge of the RCB franchise, Kohli smashed 741 runs in 15 games of the IPL 2024. Kohli-starrer RCB side made it to the playoffs stage of the cash-rich league. The 35-year-old scored 33 in RCB’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL Eliminator. Kohli claimed the Orange Cap for the second time in his impressive IPL career. The former RCB skipper bagged the Orange Cap for the first time in 2016. Kohli had accumulated 973 runs during the 2016 season. Did you know? Kohli was the last player to join the Indian camp for the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya and Kohli were the notable absentees in the first batch of arrivals earlier this week. Skipper Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel arrived in New York on Sunday. Team India will play their only World Cup warm-up against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more.Explore now !. Stay updated with the latest cricket news, T20 World Cup 2024 updates, and match highlights. Explore the World Cup Schedule 2024, track the World Cup Points Table, follow Virat Kohli’s performance, and stay ahead with the stats on World Cup Most Wickets and World Cup Most Runs on the Hindustan Times website and app. News / Cricket News / Virat Kohli ends suspense over availability for warm-up game vs Bangladesh; ex-India skipper leaves for T20 World Cup

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Watch: Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid dash through rain to catch cab in New York | Cricket News

Watch: Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid dash through rain to catch cab in New York | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: As the curtains fall on IPL 2024, attention now turns to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Discussions have begun about whether India can finally break their ten-year dry spell and secure an ICC Trophy.The Rohit Sharma-led side has already arrived in the United States. However, their preparations have been hampered by unfavourable weather conditions.In a video that has taken social media by storm, Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid were seen standing on a bustling street in New York City, patiently waiting for a taxi to arrive amidst a heavy downpour. As the rain continued to pour relentlessly, Rohit and Dravid remained composed, keeping a watchful eye out for an available cab.The video captures the moment when they finally spot a taxi approaching, and they quickly signal the driver to stop. Without hesitation, the two cricket stars make a dash for the car.India will play their lone warm-up game against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 1. Their campaign begins on June 5 against Group A opponents Ireland in New York, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9India will then face co-hosts USA on June 12 in New York, before going to Florida to take on Canada on June 15 to wrap up their Group A league matches. India were the inaugural winners of the T20 World Cup in 2007 and are aiming to claim the silverware for just the second time through the upcoming tournament.

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No Virat-Rohit as Ricky Ponting predicts leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup 2024 – India TV

No Virat-Rohit as Ricky Ponting predicts leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup 2024 – India TV

Image Source : GETTY Travis Head and Ricky Ponting at Lord’s, London in June 2023 The former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting revealed his predictions for the the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday, May 30. Ponting surprised everyone by picking Indian bowler and Australian batter as his predcitions.  Indian batters and Australian bowlers boast impressive records in the tournament history and are tipped to dominate leaderboard chart in the ninth edition in the USA and West Indies starting from June 1.  Ponting picked the in-form Australian batter Travis Head as his leading run-scorer predicition in the World Cup ahead of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli holds vaious records in the T20 World Cup, including the record of most runs in an edition, and recently won the Orange Cap in the IPL 2024 for scoring 741 runs. Travis Head also made a big impact in the IPL 2024 by scoring 567 runs at a strike rate of 191.55. Ponting beleives that the left-handed opening batter is displaying fearless cricketer for the last couple of years and will be leading run-scorer in the upcoming tournament. “My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head,” Ponting told the ICC. “I just think everything he’s done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he’s playing fearless cricket at the moment.” Notably, Travis Head is yet to make his T20 World Cup debut despite scoring 656 runs in 25 T20I innings at a strike rate of 147.08. Head is tipped to open with the veteran David Warner in the upcoming World Cup. Meanwhile, Ponting snubbed Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc’s names to pick India’s Jasprit Bumrah as the leading wicket-taker. Despite Mumbai Indians’ disastrous campaign, the Indian pace ace made a stunning comeback in the IPL 2024 by taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 6.48. “My leading wicket-taker for the tournament will be Jasprit Bumrah. I just think an outstanding performer, contributor for a number of years now. He’s just come off an outstanding IPL. What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up. But at the end, his economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over,” Ponting added.

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'Biggest threat India have taken a risk with...': Michael Clarke warns Rohit Sharma & Co | Cricket News

‘Biggest threat India have taken a risk with…’: Michael Clarke warns Rohit Sharma & Co | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: India’s decision of selecting four spinners in their squad for the T20 World Cup was questioned with skipper Rohit Sharma clarifying that there was a clear strategy behind the move. He emphasized that the decision was not made on a whim but rather as part of a carefully crafted plan.The decision to include four spinners alongside three pacers has elicited varied opinions.Among them, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal represent the wrist-spin department, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel offer left-arm spin options along with their all-round abilities.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke also voiced his opinion on the issue saying India’s spin-heavy bowling lineup is going to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.“I think India have taken a risk with the squad they have picked – heavily reliant on spin, very different from Australia. But in the conditions that I have played in the Caribbean I think how you play spin is going to be a huge part of whether you succeed or not. India are the biggest threat for me with regards to who is going to win the World Cup,” said Clarke on ESPN.Clarke also noted that India are the favourites, citing the extensive amount of cricket their players have played leading up to the tournament.“If you look at the favourites for the World Cup it’s got to be India just because of the amount of cricket they have played, their preparation has been outstanding. Conditions are different to India but there are a lot of similarities so the players would be used to that,” he added.

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Virat Kohli: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli tops the list of leading run-getters, Jos Buttler leads batters with best strike rates | Cricket News

Virat Kohli: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli tops the list of leading run-getters, Jos Buttler leads batters with best strike rates | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The T20 World Cup has become a premier event in the world of cricket, exhibiting the best of the game’s shortest format. As the ninth edition of the tournament approaches, it is an opportune moment to examine the leading run-getters and the batters with the highest strike rates, who have left an indelible mark on the competition.Virat Kohli stands out as the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup history.With 1141 runs across five editions, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances under immense pressure, cementing his reputation as one of the finest batters in T20 cricket. His record of 319 runs in the 2014 edition and his impressive tally of 296 runs in 2016 further underscore his dominance in the tournament. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup Schedule Mahela Jayawardene, the retired Sri Lankan legend, follows closely with 1016 runs, having played a pivotal role in his country’s success in the T20 World Cup. His consistent scoring across five editions has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s triumphs.Chris Gayle has amassed 965 runs in the T20 World Cup, establishing himself as one of the most destructive and entertaining hitters in the game’s history. His performances, particularly during the West Indies’ maiden title win in 2012, have made him a fan favourite and a crucial player for his team.Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been a key player for his team in the T20 World Cups, scoring 963 runs, including 91 fours, at a strike rate of 127.88. His ability to score big runs and provide stability at the top of the order has been crucial for India’s success in the tournament.Tillakaratne Dilshan was the leading run-scorer in the 2009 edition with 317 runs from seven matches. His aggressive batting style and ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order made him a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team’s lineup across six editions, accumulating 897 runs. When it comes to the highest strike rates in the T20 World Cup, Jos Buttler of England leads the pack with an impressive 144.48. Regarded as one of the most dynamic and destructive batters, Buttler’s ability to score rapidly has fetched him 799 runs in 27 matches.AB de Villiers, the retired South African legend, boasts a remarkable strike rate of 143.40, reflecting his ability to score quickly and decisively. With 717 runs in 29 innings, including 51 fours and 30 sixes, de Villiers was one of the most feared batters in the tournament.Chris Gayle’s unparalleled fearlessness and confidence translated into an amazing strike rate of 142.75 in the T20 World Cups. The Jamaican always backed himself to take on any bowler, becoming the only player to score two centuries in the event, both of which were match-winning efforts.Mahela Jayawardene’s impressive average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74 reflect his ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency, making him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.David Warner’s aggressive approach has been crucial for Australia, with his ability to score runs quickly and efficiently earning him a strike rate of 133.22 in the T20 World Cups. His explosive batting has made him one of the most exciting and effective batters in the tournament.(Inputs from ANI)

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Watch: Virat Kohli says Team India should 'take motivation and energy from...' | Cricket News

Watch: Virat Kohli says Team India should ‘take motivation and energy from…’ | Cricket News

India will embark on yet another journey on the global cricket stage, hoping to end the ICC title jinx when Rohit Sharma leads the team at the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies, beginning June 2.Afer a heartbreaking defeat in the ODI World Cup final on home soil against Australia last year, India’s wait for another ICC trophy extended past a decade. ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule The last time India won an ICC tournament was the 2013 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, who also led India to winning titles at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In a video shared by Star Sports on Thursday, Rohit, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant weighed in India’s chances, fans’ expectations and responsibilty as a player. ROHIT SHARMA“We won it in 2007, the inaugural T20 World Cup. Since then, we have made it but we haven’t won it. So I think we have a great chance here to come across and be the champion.”WATCH VIDEO VIRAT KOHLI“Expectations to hamesha rehne wali hai, India jahan pe be khelegi (expectations will always be there wherever India plays). I won’t say it’s not realistic to expect that people don’t have hope or expectations from us. Cricket is looked at differently in our country; it’s our strength as well. It will become weakness if we pay excessive attention to it. I think we should look at it as our strength and take motivation and energy from it, that we have so many fans behind us who want us to do well.” RISHABH PANT“I am always enjoying the responsibilty because when you come into the team, when you feel important in the team, that’s when responsibilty comes to you. But when you get the responsibilty and you can do well for your team in that situation, that’s the best as a player you can do for the team. So looking forward to the responsibility.”India will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.

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India Vs Pakistan: 'Safest place to be will be ...': Nassau police chief on ISIS-K's 'Lone Wolf' attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

India Vs Pakistan: ‘Safest place to be will be …’: Nassau police chief on ISIS-K’s ‘Lone Wolf’ attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan on June 9, significant security measures are being implemented at Eisenhower Park stadium in New York, as stated by Patrick Ryder, the Nassau County Police Department Commissioner. The match, which is anticipated to draw a large audience due to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams, has prompted authorities to enhance security protocols following reports of potential threats. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup Schedule According to ESPNCricinfo, the security increase comes after certain threats were identified, though the governor’s office has clarified that, based on current intelligence, there is no credible threat to public safety.“When you have got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we have ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” said Commissioner Ryder.To facilitate these measures, Eisenhower Park will be closed to the public from early morning until the evening of the match day, with access to the stadium controlled through metal detectors. Restrictions on bags and drones will be enforced, and parking will be limited to VIP ticket holders, with alternative arrangements made for other spectators. The police presence will be significant, both on the ground and in the air, with coordination among federal, state, and local partners, including transit police. The security plan extends beyond the local efforts, with the New York State Police engaged in elevated security measures as directed by Governor Kathy Hochul. These measures include increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes, underscoring the commitment to public safety.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also assured that security will be robust throughout the tournament at all venues, with a comprehensive security plan in place. The ICC works closely with host country authorities to monitor and evaluate global security, ensuring that risks are appropriately mitigated.The match at Eisenhower Park Stadium is part of a series of eight ICC T20 WC matches hosted in the area, highlighting the significance of the event. The governor of New York and the ICC have both expressed their commitment to ensuring that the Cricket World Cup is a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.(Inputs from ANI)

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'Thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai': When Hardik Pandya sledged Dinesh Karthik | Cricket News

‘Thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai’: When Hardik Pandya sledged Dinesh Karthik | Cricket News

Dinesh Karthik announced his retirement after Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) exit from IPL 2024, following their loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator; and while looking back at his playing days, the former wicketkeeper-batsman shared some interesting moments from on-field banter with his India teammates during his IPL career. “Every time I played against RCB and Virat Kohli caught my catch, ‘Ben Stokes’ came out of his mouth for sure,” said Karthik on a lighter note in an interview with Cricbuzz.”But that was a send-off.”Besides RCB, where he joined Virat, the 38-year-old veteran previously played for Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and erstwhile Gujarat Lions.He then went on to share the words Hardik Pandya, who is now Mumbai Indians’ skipper, once shot at him while he was batting. “Hardik Pandya sledged me saying ‘abhi legspinner aaya, iska thank you hi hai’ (a legspinner will come and it is Thank You time]. Then I had to play a couple of shots and then he was like ‘theek hai, thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai’ (okay, looks like he has improved a little]. That was good. He’s a good friend. He was also like ‘Commentator banke bhi thoda kaam kar raha hai’ (Even after becoming a commentator he’s working on his game) That was fun,” Karthik said. Karthik, who played 257 IPL matches and 60 T20Is, also mentioned he moment when former Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma teased him with “isko World Cup khelna hai” comment on the field in the just-concluded season. “Rohit this year taunting me… unnecessarily giving me hopes,” said Karthik.Besides playing 60 T20Is, Karthik, who also does commentary, featured in 26 Tests and 94 ODIs for India.

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Rohit Sharma: 'Good to be back': Rohit Sharma shares glimpses of India's first training session in New York ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma: ‘Good to be back’: Rohit Sharma shares glimpses of India’s first training session in New York ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma engaged in a preparatory session with his team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup‘s inaugural match against Ireland on June 5 in New York. The tournament is set to take place across the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to June 29. India’s preparatory phase includes a solitary warm-up fixture against Bangladesh on June 1, hosted at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule Rohit Sharma took to social media to share glimpses of the training session, which included physical exercises, moments of camaraderie, and strategic discussions with his team members. His performance is anticipated to be a pivotal factor in India’s progress in the tournament. Known for his dynamic opening partnerships, notably with Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli, Sharma’s role is critical in establishing a commanding run rate and setting a positive tone for the team’s innings.With a record as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup, Sharma has amassed 963 runs with an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, including nine half-centuries and a highest score of 79 not out. Additionally, his recent participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Mumbai Indians, although the team finished at the bottom of the table, saw him scoring 417 runs across 14 matches with an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150.00, including one century and a half-century, with his highest score being an unbeaten 105.India’s T20 World Cup journey begins with the match against Ireland, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9. The team will also face the tournament co-hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15 in their Group A encounters.The Indian team, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, is aiming to break their ICC trophy drought. Despite reaching the finals and semifinals of major ICC tournaments since their last victory at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, including the 50-over World Cup, the ICC World Test Championship, and the T20 World Cup, India have not clinched a major ICC trophy. (Inputs from ANI)

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Rohit Sharma: 'I don't know what he is talking about': Rohit Sharma's hilarious exchange with Kuldeep Yadav leaves everyone in splits | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma: ‘I don’t know what he is talking about’: Rohit Sharma’s hilarious exchange with Kuldeep Yadav leaves everyone in splits | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Team India captain Rohit Sharma once again showcased his comedic flair during a promotional shoot for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In a lighthearted moment, Rohit presented the ICC ODI Team of the Year cap to teammate Kuldeep Yadav, turning the ceremony into a hilarious exchange.During the presentation, Rohit began by saying, “It’s my great pleasure to present this wonderful cap to a wonderful athlete who has been a real asset for Team India, ICC ODI Team of the Year, Kuldeep.”Kuldeep responded with a simple, “Thank you, Rohit bhai.”Not letting him off the hook so easily, Rohit encouraged Kuldeep to say more.”You want to say something?” he asked.“No, no, all good,” the spinner replied.“You should say something,” Rohit insisted.Feeling the pressure from his captain, Kuldeep hesitantly added, “I mean, nothing much to say. I had a great season last year, both with the bat and ball.”Feigning shock, Rohit responded, “Bat? When?”A confused Kuldeep stuttered, “I mean. I mean.”“I mean uh, when?” Rohit pressed further, much to the amusement of everyone present.“Test series,” Kuldeep sheepishly admitted.“This is ODI,” Rohit clarified, with a smile.Attempting to explain, Kuldeep said, “But I performed with the bat as well, so last year I was really good with the ball during the World Cup as well.”Rohit then said mockingly, “I am captain of this team. I have never seen him bat. So, I don’t know what he is talking about,” leaving Kuldeep grinning and the audience in stitches.“Thank you, Rohit bhai,” Kuldeep concluded.WATCH: The promotional shoot perfectly highlighted the camaraderie and humor within the team.The T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 2 in the USA and West Indies. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5.

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